What is your teaching philosophy?

Teaching Philosophy: I do the homework too. When students set appointments with me, I not only follow along with the assignments they are given, but I supplement my instruction with materials that I can provide during the duration of their course.

What might you do in a typical first session with a student?

I usually ask for the required materials used in class, and then I begin to structure the sessions around the students' learning style and the expectations of the teacher or professor.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

Critical thinking is crucial to independent learning. It first begins with the student's belief; so I usually dive head first into problem solving, and encourage the student to come up with solutions based off of the information they know. Sometimes the answer is less complicated than they think! Sometimes it is not; however, that is precisely why I am here: to open students to possibilities and how they can achieve more.

How would you help a student stay motivated?

Progress and encouragement can uplift a student's spirits. Ultimately, the student's motivation must come from within themselves, and if they arrive at our sessions mentally, I can help them deliver the results they need.

If a student has difficulty learning a skill or concept, what would you do?

Practice, practice, practice, practice, practice. I could repeat that word a hundred times over and it still would not be overused. Good grades are not a matter of intelligence, but rather hard work. I would show them the best ways to study, manage their time, retain information, and anything else that can help them succeed.

How do you help students who are struggling with reading comprehension?

Explaining things in plain English would be the best solution. Sometimes cultural or economic barriers can get in the way, but there are ways to overcome them if both parties are willing to work together.

What strategies have you found to be most successful when you start to work with a student?

I am very hands on. I dive straight into problem sets with students. This immediately identifies where the student needs help. If they knew how to do these problems with ease, then they wouldn't need my help.

How would you help a student get excited/engaged with a subject that they are struggling in?

The end result, such as a high or passing grade, graduation, potential scholarships, or just meeting minimum requirements for their major are enough to keep the student focused in my experience; especially in college where most people are taking out expensive loans.

What techniques would you use to be sure that a student understands the material?

Timing and execution are the biggest factors. Usually, the biggest grades are tests, so the question I usually ask is: if you were to take the test right now, would you make an A? If the answer is no, we need to practice more. Even if you know the material, you still need to finish in a reasonable amount of time.

How do you build a student's confidence in a subject?

Showing them their progress almost always brings them to the confidence they need. The speed and ease when doing a problem that you've practiced for is an amazing feeling. Especially when you were struggling with it before.

How do you evaluate a student's needs?

I am very hands on, so once the student does a particular problem, I can immediately identify where they need help. I also ask important questions pertaining to their classwork and notes, to further understand where they need to improve.

How do you adapt your tutoring to the student's needs?

I adapt easily to situations, so if I see a student in need, I accommodate my teaching style to their needs. Whether it be through how they perceive information, how much knowledge they retain, or a situation that depends on what materials and resources (or lack thereof) they have, I usually find a solution.

What types of materials do you typically use during a tutoring session?

I use a pencil, paper, highlighter, and a graphing calculator. Rarely, I refer to my phone for internet use, but only in the case of an emergency. I do my best, but sometimes I need a little help too.